Hours of standing in a line and scattered thunderstorms were still not enough to keep more than 10,000 fans from One Direction.
Friday morning, “Good Morning America” surprised the country by announcing a performance by none other than the mega-famous boyband One Direction. Within two minutes, the ticketed event was sold out, as “GMA’s” website completely crashed. The restlessness and excitement began days before the event took place. Luckily for me, my friend and I acted quickly and were one of the first to receive tickets. Thus began our 1D adventure.
The hashtag #1DonGMA on Twitter picked up in popularity days before the event as it showed pictures of fans camped out nearly 36 hours before the show. After seeing these, my friend and I made the executive decision to camp out around midnight the night before, even though check-in for the show did not begin until 6 a.m., igniting a new adventure and rejuvenated feelings of anticipation.
By 12:30, people camped out over two blocks past the venue gate. We walked around knee-deep in One Direction fans as we looked for a comfortable place to settle. Rumors were abuzz that 20,000 people were on the waitlist, and only 5,000 people were about to be let in. Despite the hour bathroom line, the crowded conditions and the summer heat, I found a sense of camaraderie amongst Directioners. Everyone was packed around the venue for the same reason, including the middle-aged mothers there supporting their younger children.
By 4 a.m., spirits and morale dropped as a heavy rainstorm poured down on thousands of fans outside Central Park. Many of us were not prepared for harsh weather or were attending a full day of work after the event, like myself. Despite the pouring rain, thunder and lightning, Directioners withstood the conditions for the chance to see their favorite boys in the flesh.
By 5 a.m., security began to line up fans and herd us like cattle into the first security checkpoint, which included a pat down and a thorough bag check, as well as an ID screening. After security, we were herded into yet another line to enter the venue, which lasted for far more than an hour. This led to tears, impatience and 10,000 people chanting “Let us in!” at the gates. After hours of waiting and spontaneous terrible weather, we were allowed into the venue.
The “Good Morning America” concert stage was already packed by the time I made it inside, even though I was in the first half of people admitted. My friend and I assumed a position on the bleachers in order to get the best visual possible for people around 5 feet in height. Just as the sun began to rise majestically over the stage, One Direction sauntered confidently onto their stage for their soundcheck, in which they performed the two hits “Steal My Girl” and “Story of My Life.” Even though my clothes were still damp and the sun began emitting harsh heat early in the day, nothing could prepare me for the excitement of seeing these talented young men perform live at a free concert.
The show continued with a brief interview by the “Good Morning America” staff, in which Louis Tomlinson’s impending fatherhood rumors were confirmed true to cheers from the audience. The band went on to discuss their next album, performing without former member Zayn and their latest philanthropic projects before concluding the show with four songs: “No Control,” “Story of My Life,” “Steal My Girl,” and their new hit “Drag Me Down.”
Despite the harsh conditions, sleep deprivation and overall discomfort from the crowd, an eclectic energy filled the venue as One Direction fans young and old enjoyed live music from their favorite band. One Direction fans are especially dedicated, and I remain proud to include myself in this group. The waiting, tears, terrible weather and exhaustion were entirely worth the hour I was privileged to spend in the company of 5,000 fans and the incomparable Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne and Niall Horan.